Category Archives: travel

July 29, 2013 · 7:05 am

#BarbieIsMoving – a traveling world of PINK

YES, it’s true, Lola is a travelista who has an affinity for the color pink. Well, this summer, one of my favorite icons and fellow lover of all that’s PINK, Barbie, has been on tour – traveling throughout North America. I was invited to experience VIP access when the tour came through Boston and, let me tell you, it was a treat. I think it’s no real surprise that Lola has a big imagination and it was fun to go down memory lane with the #1 doll property in the USA.

The #BarbieIsMoving tour was super well-organized and the staff was so friendly & patient. Every person/family registered at the beginning of the experience and received gift bags to place all the Barbie giveaways into, including a brand spanking new awesome Barbie doll. I LOVE my new Barbie tote bag…it’s PINK!

There were three main attractions. A fashion design area for little couture creators. A dress up & strut on the catwalk for little divas. And a Barbie branded Mega Bloks area for little architects and builders.

I started my Barbie experience with the fashion show & runway photo op. They offer lots of tutus for girls of all sizes (and ages) and what else BUT feather boas!! I, of course, travel with my own feather boa but, as you can see, Barbie and I have the same FUN taste!! The staff helps you get dolled up and then you get to practice walking the runway before they snap your official photo and either email or text it to you. SO FUN!

Next, I decided to try out my talent as a fashion designer and make my Lil Lola a new dress. This was especially fun for me. When I was a young girl they had this thing called ‘fashion plates’ where you could switch around the parts of the outfits and trace the outlines onto paper and then color the outfits in. Well, this experience was the same idea but on a real doll dress & you were able to color them in with fabric safe markers. I opted to go with a simple design that I could decorate with a Union Jack since Lil Lola and I were headed to the UK the next day. It was great to sit amongst kids (both boys and girls) making outfits. I got some good design tips for some of those lads & lasses.

Finally, I headed over the Mega Bloks area to checkout that experience. Every person is given a starter floor & wall to build a room to add to the BIG Mega Bloks dreamhouse. There was a large building area with more bloks to add to your starter room. I knew I was in building heaven when the staff pointed out that some of the bloks are even glittery. YES…next to PINK, glitter is my next favorite color. 😉 Once you add your room to the dreamhouse, you get your own little box of Barbie Mega Bloks to take home.

Now, I know you know that I think Barbie is a great doll. BUT, did you know how savvy of a business her brand is?! Created in 1959, Barbie has had over 130 inspirational careers. She is a global doll and has represented more than 40 nationalities. A Barbie doll is sold every three seconds somewhere in the world. 90% of girls aged 3-10 own at least one Barbie doll. She’s had more than 1 billion fashions produced. Barbie has more than 7 million Facebook likes which makes her the largest Facebook fan page of any doll! AND she is the #1 worldwide property in the traditional toy industry. I’m sorry, but she is NOT a dumb blonde doll at all. Quite the contrary!!

If you’d like to experience the FREE and completely PINK-TASTIC #BarbieIsMoving tour the remaining dates are:

Friday, August 2nd in Vancouver, British Columbia
Friday, August 9th in Tacoma, Washington
Friday, August 16th in Santa Rosa, California
Friday, August 23rd in Glendale, Arizona
Friday, August 30th in Mission Viejo, California

AND if that’s not enough Barbie for you, she has a life-size DreamHouse Experience in Florida. Plus, you can hit the high seas on The Barbie Premium Experience with Royal Caribbean International.

20 Comments

Filed under boston, california, travel

Tagged as Barbie Is Moving Tour, Boston

July 22, 2013 · 11:04 am

The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine

Turning “welcome into welcome back”

Kennebunkport, being a short 1.5 hour drive north of Boston, is a wonderful place for a quick getaway. I had the pleasure of visiting in the off-season and recently returned at the beginning of the high season to have a peek at the contrast. While I believe Kennebunkport is a fantastic place to go in any season, summer is the BEST season. Even better is discovering one of the town’s nicest resorts, The Nonantum Resort, which is perfectly matched with the casual elegance of this great town.

I was thrilled to be invited by The Nonantum Resort to come check out their beautiful property in June and enjoy a bit more of the Maine coast. One of the largest of resorts in Kennebunkport, The Nonantum has 110 rooms ranging from the classic & historical in the Carriage House to the recently added more modern rooms in the Portside Lodge. The Nonantum’s atmosphere is hip yet relaxed and is an ideal place to stay for couples, families or even a getaway with friends. With a range of activities from swimming pool fun to sailing & sport fishing to stand up paddle boarding & kayaking, there is plenty to keep you busy at The Nonantum. Also a short walk from the property are the popular shops and restaurants all around Dock Square in Kennebunkport.

The Nonantum Resort is open from mid-April to mid-December but just because the doors are closed doesn’t mean work isn’t getting done. This is a historical property that’s 128 years old which means upkeep and also bringing new life to the place. For example, to celebrate the 125th anniversary, the resort added Heckman’s Pub, named after the original family that opened the Inn back in 1884. Continuously operated as an Inn, the Ginn family took over ownership in 1996. Today, The Nonantum is still family owned and run. It is everything you could hope for in an ideal family operation. The care and compassion that ownership has for the property, staff & guests is immediately felt as soon as you enter through the doors. There is a warmth about The Nonantum that is seen in the smiles, welcomes and enthusiastic interest in making sure you are having the kind of stay you planned.

During my visit I was greeted by the friendly reception, of course, but had been invited up by the Director of Marketing, Kyle, to enjoy the grand opening of their restaurant, 95 Ocean. Not only was I welcomed by Kyle but also Owner & Innkeeper, Jean, as well as Tina, General Manager of The Nonantum Resort. I honestly couldn’t imagine nicer hospitality. All made sure to introduce me to the Executive Chef of 95 Ocean, Steve, as well as other invited guests. During the grand opening party of 95 Ocean, the hors d’ourves were spectacular but, to me, the gracious welcome extended from the staff is something I will never forget. Once the party ended, all three wanted to show me a newly opened hotspot in Kennebunkport. It was like meeting old friends so I can see how they turn “welcome into welcome back”. The next morning, I had a brief meeting Jean who greeted & said goodbye to me with a hug. WOW! This endearment definitely makes me want to return to The Nonantum Resort.

A big notable aspect is The Nonantum Resort’s concerted effort toward being environmentally friendly and going more green over the past 2 years. This project is still being continued as they have a long-term plan and their efforts can be seen all over the property. Also noteworthy is the resort’s participation with ‘Clean the World’ who takes bath amenities and sends them to 3rd world nations in need. I really enjoyed learning about the property’s commitment to their community as well by having several fundraisers throughout the year to support various initiatives and charities.

Some of the events you can look for are the weekly wine dinners offered throughout the season. The Nonantum Resort’s Executive Chef customizes every menu on a weekly basis taking into consideration the freshest and most creative ingredients and wine parings all at a tremendous value. This year, The Nonantum put on their first annual Paddle Battle, an outdoor paddle festival done by kayak, canoe, stand-up paddle board or any vessel without a motor, that races down the Kennebunk River. Look for this to be a summer highlight in Kennebunkport from here on out! And, in the off-season, the very popular fundraiser, Fire & Ice is hosted by The Nonantum. 2013 dates are December 13-14th. Held the second weekend of Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude, Fire & Ice is a holiday celebration featuring themed ice bars, a huge bonfire (thus Fire & Ice), several live bands and delicious food from 95 Ocean and other local food vendors with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. Who couldn’t love a fun party for a good cause?!

If you haven’t discovered The Nonantum Resort for yourself, consider making a quick trip up to Kennebunkport, Maine for a wine dinner, special event or a long weekend stay. I think you’ll be as impressed by this fabulous family run property as I am. I look forward to my “welcome back” to The Nonantum and hope it’s sooner rather than later!

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Filed under Kennebunkport, Maine, travel

Tagged as kennebunkport resorts, kennebunkport tourism

July 17, 2013 · 6:48 am

Four Seasons Miami – Reasons to Escape South Beach

If you know ANYTHING about Lola, you know I LOVE Miami and I’m a beach girl completely. However, on my last visit to Miami, I got the opportunity to visit the gorgeous Four Seasons Hotel Miami in the trendy & hopping Brickell neighborhood away from the beach. I have to say, I was most impressed with this stunning property. Four Seasons Miami came on the scene in 2003 and is the tallest structure south of Atlanta with its 70 floors, 221 guest rooms, residences and modern office space. Two years ago this fall, Four Seasons Miami debuted redesigned guest rooms to reflect a blend of modern European luxury with Miami’s Art Deco style and flair. Tres Bon!!

Four Seasons Miami is perfectly equipped in every way for the business traveler and sensibly caters to that clientele but that doesn’t mean it’s not a luxe spot for any lover of Miami. Touted as an urban retreat, on-property you will find a world-class spa and full service hair salon. Of course, there are pools AND a 50,000 square foot gym, Sports Club/LA, offering over 100 classes a week led by some of the city’s hottest instructors.

Only 8 miles from Miami International Airport as well as a short drive to the Miami beaches and swanky shopping, you can see how Four Seasons Miami is conducive to both business and leisure travelers with discriminating taste. Listed as Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards Top 20 Hotels in Florida as well as receiving the Forbes Travel Guide Four Star Award in 2012, Four Seasons Miami leaves nothing to be desired. They have a full floor dedicated to meeting space, 24-hour complimentary business center, 24-hour room service and a kids’ club for those traveling with their brood.

The “crown jewel” of the 2011 renovation is the hip and delicious EDGE, Steak & Bar. EDGE is a contemporary style steakhouse offering smaller & interesting cuts of meat, local fresh seafood and produce complemented by spices, peppers & herbs from the restaurant’s own garden. It’s definitely a destination not just for hotel guests but residents of Miami as well. The Brickell neighborhood has emerged as a “go-to” destination in Miami for fine dining, shopping and nightlife and EDGE reflects this with their trendy yet comfortable feel in stylings, drinks and menu. Showcasing a modern take on 50’s & 60’s aesthetics, EDGE is sexy and cool. The outdoor space has views of Four Seasons Miami’s 2-acre pool area, downtown Miami and pretty Biscayne Bay which are really hard to beat. The mood is further set with cozy fire pits, dancing candlelight & the surrounding greenery.

Executive Chef Aaron Brooks has put together a FAB menu and the evening I dined with EDGE I sampled some of the restaurant’s most popular and very best. On tap for moi were 2 different delicious cocktails, The BBQ Collins – a bacon-rimmed glass with Knob Creek Bourbon, BBQ bitters, lemon sour AND The Ginger Brickell – Malibu Black, Domaine Canton Ginger, lime & coconut foam. Both interesting, different and YUMMY! As stone crabs were in season, I had to sample those served with mustard remoulade as well as oysters with mojo mignonette. EDGE likes to do unique takes on the classics and this was proven with their Edge Caesar served with a free run hen egg. Naturally, steak was in order so I tried the black angus filet mignon featured with a variety of dipping sauces – malbec jus, béarnaise and chimichurri – OUTSTANDING. Dinner was finished off with a carmel-popcorn cream, carmel ice cream and peanut powder dessert. HOLY COW!! (no pun intended)

OH and taking a cue from Miami’s vibrant art scene, I should also mention the property’s over $3 million dollar art collection with works from local Miami and Latin American-based artists. Not to be missed, and an anchor to the collection, are 3 sculptures by celebrated artist, Fernando Botero. Four Seasons Miami is incredibly proud to be home to “Adam & Eve” and “Seated Woman”. The art collection alone might be reason enough to visit this beautiful property.

Four Seasons Miami hosted my amazing meal at EDGE, Steak & Bar. I thank them for the wonderful evening & lovely hospitality and will gladly return on my own dime for the fun and fab food.

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Filed under florida, miami, swanky luxe stays, travel

Tagged as four seasons miami, miami luxury hotels

July 15, 2013 · 4:40 am

why i Triptease

if you are looking for the straight up down-low on a hotel, resort or destination – Triptease is your answer. user-generated reviews that get right down to business with quick, tantalizing descriptions is what you can expect. plus the photos, yes the photos are oh so sexy. some of Lola’s personal favorites are…

DREAMY DESTINATION – PATMOS, GREECE

i’m smitten with Greece and hear that Patmos is one incredible island. just look at this amazing photo. you know it had me at the PINK Vespa 😉

STAR-WORTHY STAY – EDEN ROCK’S VILLA ROCKSTAR, ST. BARTHS

everyone knows St. Bart’s is super sexy. having been twice, i can tell you that its appeal DOES. NOT. TIRE. Eden Rock is one special location and the ‘Villa Rockstar‘, i hear, is LEGENDARY!!

FANTASTIC FEAST FOR FOODIES – BOUT DU LAC, ANNECY, FRANCE

let’s start with it’s FRANCE. then there’s the lake, the rose wine, the food. this review describes this restaurant, Chez Ma Cousine as accessible by car or by boat. hmmm…i think i’ll vote boat!

GO. SEE. DO. ACTIVITY – KO PHI PHI DON, THAILAND

i don’t have a bucket list but this tour makes me want to start one STAT. not even slightly kidding that reading this review makes me want to go to Thailand. you need to click through and get a gander for yourself but my tease to you is cliff jumping, floating in the ocean as the sun sets and a secret island beach party. GO ON…i know you want to know the rest.

have i tempted you? you should visit Triptease to be inspired, research your next place to stay, eat or play OR even to write your very own Triptease. you can find some of my reviews here.

GO GET TEASED at TRIPTEASE!

28 Comments

Filed under greece, st. barts, travel

Tagged as luxury hotels, travel reviews, triptease

July 9, 2013 · 7:46 am

One Day Stay: New York, New York

NYC you were once home to me. And now I adore visiting you and seeing how you have grown, changed and become even more oh-so-fabulous. When I lived in the ‘Big Apple’ I resided on the Upper West Side. Now I enjoy discovering other neighborhoods like the Meatpacking District and another one of my faves – the artsy, trendy & chic SoHo (South of Houston). Gotham, don’t stop improving…you continue to be one of my favorite ‘One Day Stay’ getaways!!

DROP YOUR BAG

New York is an easy getaway and one I never tire of. I try to stay somewhere different every visit and with all the amazing properties in NYC, it’s not difficult to do. This quick escape I rested my head at the absolutely dreamy Mondrian SoHo. Opening its doors just over two years ago, Mondrian SoHo is a breath of fresh air with its simple & clean yet playful decor. Drawing inspiration from Jean Cocteau’s “La Belle et la Bete” or “Beauty and the Beast”, there is a distinct sense of mystery and fantasy which is quite charming. Even with over 250 rooms, somehow this world of blue & white feels very intimate. There is also edginess to the property with its fresh and funky art installations. The permanent collection by Sol LeWitt, who was known for his minimalist drawings and photographs from his old neighborhood of the Lower East Side, is outside the Lafayette Street entrance of Mondrian SoHo. Inside you can find awesome lobby wall paper graphically designed by New Yorker Marilyn Minter. The nod to local New York artists is so tres cool – especially in an artsy neighborhood like SoHo. Totally LOLA APPROVED! Some of my other favorite details about this property are the smokey blue mirrors, the stunning chandelier in the bar lounge, the hidden room behind the bookshelf AND “the tunnel of love” where you transition from the world outside to the new world that is so lovely, Mondrian SoHo.

PS – Mondrian SoHo’s rooftop deck Soaked is now open! A perfect place to take in the Manhattan skyline while enjoying a nice cold cocktail!

DO

Mondrian SoHo is conveniently located in the SoHo neighborhood of New York where there are SO MANY fabulous boutique shops & galleries within steps of the property. Living outside Boston where you virtually need a car to accomplish anything, I particularly love being able to walk the nearby streets to hit some of my favorite shops. Anthopologie, I’m looking at you! SoHo is also dotted with some amazing art galleries that could fill your free time and inspire your inner artist. BEST of all, to me, is the people watching in SoHo.

DRINK

I’ll be honest, I had a difficult time leaving the sanctuary that I found Mondrian SoHo to be. I enjoyed my cocktail time at Isola Trattoria & Crudo Bar, the on-property bar & restaurant inspired by the Amalfi Coast. Really, need I say more?! The adorable bartender made me his specialty, a Hemingway Daiquiri, which is a refreshing cold drink with white rum, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice and a house-made simple syrup. BELLISSIMO!

HONORABLE MENTIONS go to Apotheke, a trendy speakeasy in Chinatown and Mister H, a discretely hidden nightlife spot inside Mondrian SoHo inspired by nearby Chinatown. Both a see & be seen spots in NYC!!

DINE

My New York dining experience was with the fabulous Macao Trading Company. Decor styling inspired by the brothels and opium dens of 1930’s Macao, stepping into Macao Trading Company you feel you’ve left the world behind and entered a different time and place. Serving Eurasian fare, I sampled the Mushroom & Truffle Croquets, Chicken & Pork Belly Dumplings and Macanese Chili Prawns. Who knew Chinese & Portuguese influenced food could be so great?! YUM!

PS – Possibly even better than the food was the divine cocktail I ordered, Mah-johng. A mixture of Chivas Regal, Carpano Antica Formula, vanilla & ginger infused mandarin Napoleon and Macao 5 spice bitters, Mah-johng was very similar to my beloved Negroni but with a twist. A MUST TRY!